P&O Ferries · 2h 15m
Cairnryan to Belfast Ferry
Compare every Cairnryan to Belfast sailing. From £13.60 one way, daily, crossing in about 2h 15m.
- 2h 15m crossing
- 8 sailings a week
- Foot passengers
Cairnryan to Belfast sailings on Saturday 31 October
1 departure found. Prices update live and are shown as a total.
Only 8 spaces left at this price on the 04:00 sailing.
About the Cairnryan to Belfast ferry
The Cairnryan to Belfast ferry is operated by P&O Ferries, sailing daily with a typical crossing time of 2h 15m. We compare every operator on the route in one search, so you can see the cheapest and the fastest side by side before you commit.
This is a foot-passenger service, so you will need to travel without a vehicle.
Cairnryan to Belfast ferry timetable
There are around 8 sailings a week on this route, daily. The table below shows how this crossing compares with the other services Cairnryan and Belfast are connected to.
| Route | Operators | Duration | Sailings / week | From | Average | Vehicle |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cairnryan – Belfast | P&O Ferries | 2h 15m | 8 | £13.60 | £35.82 | Foot only |
| Cairnryan – Larne | Irish Ferries | 2h | 22 | £27.74 | £89.39 | Foot only |
| Holyhead – Belfast | CalMac Ferries | 9h 35m | 55 | £61.16 | £282.25 | Yes |
| Stranraer – Belfast | NorthLink Ferries | 10h 10m | 59 | £64.50 | £306.65 | Yes |
| Liverpool Birkenhead – Belfast | CalMac Ferries | 9h 20m | 53 | £59.33 | £269.28 | Yes |
| Douglas – Belfast | P&O Ferries | 1h 15m | 5 | £11.05 | £27.92 | Foot only |
How much is the ferry from Cairnryan to Belfast?
One-way fares start at £13.60. Across all booking types the average paid on this route is about £35.82. That figure includes vehicles, multiple passengers and peak-season departures, which is why it sits well above the headline price.
Which operators sail this route?
P&O Ferries operates the Cairnryan – Belfast crossing. As the sole operator, availability tightens quickly in peak season, so book early.
- P&O Ferries, 67 routes across our network
Taking a vehicle
This service carries foot passengers only. If you need to bring a car, check the alternative crossings listed below for a vehicle-carrying route between the same regions.
Getting to Cairnryan
Check in opens around 90 minutes before departure for vehicles and 45 minutes for foot passengers, and closes 30 to 60 minutes before sailing depending on the operator. Read our Cairnryan port guide for terminal facilities, parking and directions, and the Belfast guide for the other end.
Cairnryan to Belfast ferry: your questions answered
How long is the ferry from Cairnryan to Belfast?
The Cairnryan to Belfast ferry takes approximately 2h 15m. Actual crossing time varies a little by operator, vessel and sea conditions.
How much is the ferry from Cairnryan to Belfast?
One-way fares start from £13.60. The average booking on this route comes to around £35.82 once vehicles, extra passengers and peak dates are taken into account.
Who sails from Cairnryan to Belfast?
P&O Ferries operates this crossing. We compare all of them in a single search.
How often does the Cairnryan to Belfast ferry run?
There are around 8 sailings a week on this route, which works out at daily. Frequency is usually higher in summer and over school holidays.
Can I take a car on the Cairnryan to Belfast ferry?
No, this route carries foot passengers only. If you need to bring a vehicle, search nearby ports for a car-carrying alternative.
What is the cheapest day to sail from Cairnryan to Belfast?
Midweek departures, particularly Tuesday and Wednesday, are typically the cheapest, along with the earliest sailing of the day. Friday and Saturday crossings in July and August are the most expensive.
How far in advance should I book?
Prices on this route rise as departure approaches. Booking more than six weeks ahead usually secures the lowest fare; inside a week you can expect to pay substantially more, especially in peak season.
Do I need a passport for the Cairnryan to Belfast ferry?
Carry valid photo ID for every passenger. International crossings require a passport valid for the whole of your trip, and non-EU travellers entering the Schengen area are now subject to biometric registration at the border. Check the operator's requirements before you travel.
Alternative crossings
Other ways to make the same journey, and nearby routes worth comparing.
Cairnryan to Larne
from £27.74
Holyhead to Belfast
from £61.16
Stranraer to Belfast
from £64.50
Liverpool Birkenhead to Belfast
from £59.33
Douglas to Belfast
from £11.05
Ardrossan to Brodick
from £67.35
Castlebay to Lochboisdale
from £65.68
Gills Bay to St Margaret's Hope
from £65.05
More from Cairnryan
Cairnryan to LarneMore to Belfast
Holyhead to BelfastStranraer to BelfastLiverpool Birkenhead to BelfastDouglas to Belfast